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Thursday, January 11, 2018

Maison Francaise Custom Dollhouse

Finally, my first post of 2018! Are you ready for an awesome year?

My first freestyle project this year(not commissioned) will be Maison Francaise. This will be my signature type of French style town house. With a plaster exterior, whites and greys throughout. Just like my previous house Under Paris Roofs.

I had a lot of requests to make this one again. So here goes.

I start off by using 2 sheets of hardboard. I use hardboard because it's nice and straight, no warping! I bought a ready made door and stairs.

I cut out my design with a scroll saw. I use the one below. It's not perfect. There are things that are annoying about it. Like the tightening knob to hold the foot in place keeps undoing. And the blade is hard to change. But it is a very affordable saw. And it does the work.

Attach the structure together with hot glue.

I found the ultimate hot glue gun! It's by Surebonder. You can get it at Hobby Lobby. It is incredible. I was looking for a new gun when I stumbled on this one. It was new. I hot glued Christmas lights around my real doorway(on steel and on bricks). The lights withstood everything! After Christmas, I had a very hard time getting them off the house. Lesson learned! Use tiny bit on real house...

But to put your dollhouse together forever- this glue gun works! I use hot glue sticks from Joann's. But any will do.

By the way, I don't get paid by any stores or brands. All the materials you see are purchased by me. There's no fake reviews. I try to let you know what works best or what I find out there that can work for minis.

And if you are on the fence about building a dollhouse this year- just go for it! You will love being able to make your vision come to life. Start with a small kit. Like the Primrose. Just to learn the scale and how things are put together. Then you'll be ready to jump in with both feet! And remember there are no rules. Whatever you decide to do and however you do it is the right way!

Hi Caroline! I am so glad to see this tutorial demonstration of how you free-style your french cottages- Thank YouAnd I am curious as to what in your opinion, you've found about the Surebonder hot glue gun that sets it apart from the others?

Happy New Year Caroline! I love to see you off to a good start on another Fabulous French House!!! You are so inventive and brave with your designs! I Love the space you have started.... big windows and lovely "under the eaves" spaces! I Look forward to seeing more! Thank you for sharing your methods and materials! And your encouragement too!!! :)

Happy New Year, to you, Carolyn. I look forward to watching you work this year. I always learn a new trick or two from you. I have not worked on the Texas Farm House since Thanksgiving. I have a power outage and I am sorely annoyed with the project and can't go any further until I figure it out. The new house that you are creating will be awesome!